A sign of true love

"Ohio grandma gives birth to daughter's triplets"

I came across this headline on USA Today's Web site today and couldn't help but read the article. I was amazed to hear the full story. Jaci Dalenberg, a 56-year-old grandma from Wooster, Ohio, gave birth to triplets on Oct. 11. Why in the world would she give birth to these three baby girls? Because her daughter, Kim Coseno, and her husband Joe couldn't have children. The couple tried the in vetro fertilization and it was successful. The labor had to be induced two months early, however, because one of the babies was not developing normally. Now the children are still in a hospital and are developing well.

After I read this I almost started to cry. I can't quite grasp, and never have grasped, the concept of a mother's love for her children. If it's not good enough that they feed us, aide us when we're sick or hurt, and assist us in our problems, then giving birth to her daughter's children definitely shows the love. I've always found it fascinating and inspiring that women offer there bodies to other unfortunate women who cannot have children for some reason. Surrogacy isn't an easy thing I imagine, and pretty much renting your body for nine months seems to definitely show long term commitment.

I imagine the process would be similar to an adoption process. Adoption is a very touchy subject for me since my husband was adopted at birth. I hold those parents who give their child to another family at a whole other level. I look at my husband's biological mom, Alice, and have respect and gratitude for her sacrifice and love she had for him. I know as she's recalled the situation and from talking to many people in Taylor's family that adoption leaves a strong emotional bond. I can say that I can somewhat understand how this daughter probably feels, but I wouldn't be able to even imagine the full force of the thankfulness she must have to her mother.

The story also made me wonder about myself. Would I have the strength and ability to be a surrogate mother? Could I handle holding a child for nine months for a family that couldn't possibly have one of their own? I know my husband and I have come to a mutual understanding and agreement that we will at one point adopt a child. It's so important to assist these children in need, and give them opportunities they may not have been able to have before. I'm curious to see what other women think. Would you, as a woman, be able to be a surrogate? Or men, would you be able to watch your wife or girlfriend go through the pains of labor for a whole other family? I would hope that I could answer yes to these answers.

To see this article, visit http://www.usatoday.com/news/offbeat/2008-11-11-grandma-triplets_N.htm.

12 days 23 hours 8 minutes and 50 seconds!

Yes, I am one of those oh-so-insanely-obsessed "Twilight" fans who stay up until God knows when in the morning to wait for the next release of Stephenie Meyer's creation. The next late night: "Twilight" the movie. The icing on the cake is it's being released on my birthday! Score!

All eyes are on "Twilight" waiting to see how this movie will pan out, and I don't think director Catherine Hardwicke will be disappointed. I can't imagine how much stress would be put on an actor or actress to live up to the performance so many fans are awaiting to see, and it was relieving to see that actress Kristen Stewart, who plays a key role as Bella Swan, is a little nervous.

In an interview with "Entertainment Weekly," Stewart explains some of her odd moments and her opinion towards the filming of a new big hit. She recalls casting for the role and acting out a crucial love scene with four different actors before they casted Robert Pattinson, saying she refused to keep the part unless Pattinson was casted. She said, "Catherine liked a couple of the guys, and I was like, 'Are you joking? I can't do the movie unless Rob does it. 'He got it, and we could, like, see each other."

I also found it interesting that during some scenes of the movie, Pattinson and Stewart changed their lines to lines that felt more natural, or fit the part, instead of cheesy lines. Hardwicke said Stewart wouldn't take any "bulls---" for lines. So hopefully this won't take away from the characters and movie.

According to Hardwicke, the movie must hit $150,000 in sales for Summit Entertainment to consider creating "New Moon" into a movie. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this movie will become a huge hit! I know I'll definitely be playing my part going three or four times after it comes out.

Oh by the way, yay for "Twilight!"

To see Stewart's interview by Entertainment Weekly, go to http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20234559_20234567_20238864,00.html

Learning voting at an early age

So today was Election Day and voters eagerly awaited the results of hundreds of American votes. But hundreds of elementary school children already voted the day before during a mock presidential election. Sunset Elementary School here in St. George participated in the nationwide event. The event allowed students to vote and give their own opinions on who they wanted as the next president. I couldn't really figure out where I stood on this. I thought it was a great thing for elementary schools to give their students an option to learn about the electoral college, the fact that votes count, and the results will have pros and cons. I couldn't help but laugh as I read these quotes from two different students:

"First-grader Eric Aikens said he voted for Barack Obama, calling the candidate his 'favorite person.'

'My dad likes Barack Obama,' Aikens said. 'I like Barack Obama because he is really funny.'

Joey Robertson, a second-grade student, cast his electronic ballot for John McCain.

'I just think he has better ideas,' Robertson said."

I couldn't help but imagine this little kid whose feet don't even touch the floor looking at the different candidates and choosing a president.

On the other hand I think this idea sort of pushes the topic among youth at a very young age. Even though, yes, it will effect them in the long run, why push the importance of voting now? It takes away the opportunity for them to choose whether or not they'll register to vote. Now remember we're in America and even though we have the right and privelege to vote, not everybody will. I originally never signed up because of religious beliefs. So far in the last two weeks I've heard people say people who aren't registered shouldn't be an American citizen, and that I am an unethical or disguisting person because I didn't take the opportunity to vote. Now if this is the land of the freedom of religion, speech and more, then why should I be criticized for my beliefs? Yes the next president was important to me, but that doesn't make me bad, sick and wrong for not voting. Why etch it into these young minds that you need to start voting at a young age?

So I guess my point is don't push these kids to do anything that they should have an option of doing. Don't forget you're in a land of freedom of choice. Don't criticize someone elses' choices. To see the article visit http://thespectrum.com/article/20081104/NEWS03/811040328&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL.